The Ultimate Respiratory Problems Quiz

Those of us who are healthy often take the ability to breathe for granted. But there are many things that can go wrong with this essential system of the body, causing every breath to become a struggle. Some problems can be cured and some can be managed, but some become fatal. Find out how much you know about respiratory problems by taking this quiz.

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Question 1 of 20

What is the name of the tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer occurs?

trachea

alveoli

The tiny air sacs are called alveoli. If they are damaged the lungs will not be able to function properly. Smoking severely damages alveoli. Emphysema, chronic inflammation of the lungs, leaves scar tissue on the alveoli. Both of these impair oxygen absorption and carbon dioxide release in the lungs.

bronchi

Question 2 of 20

What does the medical term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refer to?

lung dysfunction

Pulmonary refers to the lungs and the term COPD refers to a group of diseases that obstruct the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. This includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

smoking addiction

something stuck in your throat

Question 3 of 20

Which of the following impact air transfer in the lungs?

air conditioning

air circulation in the room

weak chest muscles

Weak chest muscles limit the ability for the lungs to expand and contract properly. Also, an important part of maintaining healthy and clean lungs is being able to cough up secretions in the lungs that block the walls of alveoli. Weak chest muscles lead to poor coughing ability, further impairing oxygen exchange.

Question 4 of 20

What sort of foods should be avoided for people with emphysema?

dairy

People with emphysema, asthma or any inflammatory condition should avoid dairy products and foods that contain high fructose corn syrup or partially hydrogenated oils since they may exacerbate secretion production. Gluten may affect some people. Sticking with fruits and vegetables, organic foods or green tea which is high in antioxidants can help to manage inflammation in the lungs and around the body in general.

meat

fruit

Question 5 of 20

Which of the following nutrients is important to aid muscle contraction?

calcium

vitamin B

magnesium

Magnesium acts as a muscle relaxant, allowing muscles to expand and contract properly. It is often used for people with lung conditions, such as COPD and asthma, in order to improve their chest expansion. In fact, it is sometimes administered intravenously in the emergency room to people having an asthma attack.

Question 6 of 20

Which of the following spices is known for its anti-inflammatory properties?

pepper

turmeric

Turmeric aids in decreasing inflammation. It can be taken in tablet form.

paprika

Question 7 of 20

Which of the following body systems are directly affected by cystic fibrosis?

the digestive system

Although many functions of body are affected by cystic fibrosis, the digestive and respiratory systems are the two systems that are most affected. A genetic mutation leads to a malfunction in the pancreas causing digestive enzymes to not be released properly from the pancreas leading to digestive and bowel problems and poor nutrition. The mutation also causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs causing chronic inflammation, scarring of the lung tissue and regular chest infections.

the cardiovascular system

the muscular system

Question 8 of 20

How many people in America have cystic fibrosis?

1 in 9

1 in 31

One in every 31 Americans has cystic fibrosis, which can severely shorten the life expectancy of sufferers. However, treatments have come a long way in extending the lifespan of people with cystic fibrosis.

1 in 55

Question 9 of 20

Curcumin is a spice that has been found to bypass the effects of cystic fibrosis. Which culture commonly uses it in their cooking?

Indian

Asian

Curcumin is often used in Asian cooking. Although the extent to which it is effective in humans is undetermined, curcumin is a very exciting step in the treatment of cystic fibrosis as it has a large range of benefits and is very safe.

Middle Eastern

Question 10 of 20

People with cystic fibrosis become nutrition deficient. How is this corrected?

with food supplements

Simply using food supplements can drastically improve the nutritional health of someone with cystic fibrosis. Vitamins E, A, K, zinc and magnesium are especially important. Some foods should also be avoided, such as foods that may exacerbate inflammation.

with a stomach feeding tube

with surgery

Question 11 of 20

Vitamin D is known for its role in bone development. Which other important function does it have?

It improves body tissue integrity.

It improves eyesight.

It strengthens the immune system.

Vitamin D helps to boost the immune system, a very important function for people with cystic fibrosis who are prone to infections. Vitamin A improves eyesight and also prevents infection and zinc improves body tissue integrity as well as playing a part in the function of the immune system.

Question 12 of 20

Essential fatty acids help to reduce inflammation in the body. Which of the following fruits contain high levels of essential fatty acids?

peaches

coconuts

Coconuts contain high levels of essential fatty acids as do fish and flax oils.

apples

Question 13 of 20

Glutathione is a substance naturally produced in the body to aid repair and detoxification. What levels of glutathione are found in people with cystic fibrosis?

low

People with cystic fibrosis have been found to have low levels of glutathione, particularly in the lung lining. This correlates with their poor lung function. Glutathione is now being used as a treatment for cystic fibrosis.

high

normal

Question 14 of 20

What attribute of microwave popcorn does the chemical diacetyl produce?

crunchiness

salty flavor

buttery taste

Diacetyl gives popcorn its buttery taste. However, inhalation of diacetyl has been associated with "popcorn lung" or, as it is formally known, bronchiolitis obliterans, causing scarring of the lung to the extent that it can be fatal in severe cases unless a lung transplant is performed. Many popcorn factory workers have died from inhaling too much diacetyl.

Question 15 of 20

While the safety of microwave popcorn is still being investigated, what should you avoid?

eating microwave popcorn

smelling microwave popcorn

Try not to smell or inhale the fumes from freshly made microwave popcorn. Also, try to buy microwave popcorn that doesn't contain diacetyl.